Looking for Soccer News?

Kerala Blasters allowed FC Goa to take control of the game and score a goal in the first half of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) fixture on Sunday. 

Igor Angula's clever run to beat the Blasters defence and latch onto Saviour Gama's lob was as delightful as the chip to beat an out-of-place Albino Gomes that followed. As beautiful as that move and finish were, the defence should have done a lot better to deal with Angulo's threat and they couldn't.

The Hooper Dilemma 

As Igor Angulo dropped deep, drifted wide, turned, passed and placed his shots on target, Gary Hooper had a torrid time at the other end. Ivan Gonzalez and James Donachie allowed him no space in and around the box. And with Sergio Cidoncha out injured and Sahal Abdul Samad absent from the matchday squad (due to a niggle, as later revealed by Kibu Vicuna), there was nobody in the Kerala Blasters midfield who could play an incisive through ball and unlock defences.

Whenever Blasters moved forward, they seemed to be confused when forced down the middle and the flanks were locked. Vicente Gomez did reasonably well to spray the ball around but his counterpart Edu Bedia had more control and chemistry in the centre of park. 

Brandon the Best 

After missing out on a start in the first few matches, Brandon Fernandes showed the country why he is currently India's best attacking midfielder. Juan Ferrando used an apt word after the game to describe him as a player - 'fantastic'.

The second goal was made by Brandon Fernandes - his 17th assist in ISL, the most by an Indian player, third overall only behind Hugo Boumous (19) and Marcelinho (18). A beautiful pass from the edge of the box cut open the Blasters defence and found Jorge Ortiz. The Spaniard found the net to double his team's lead.

Blasters once again displayed their cluelessness and lack of control on the game. It is an understandable argument that the team had a short pre-season and it will take time for them to adapt to a new style of play. However, it is a 11-team league and if other teams continue to pick up points, the waiting period won't last long. 

Putting it on a plate

With Prabhsukhan Gill and Bilal Khan waiting in the wings to make an appaerance in between the sticks, Albino Gomes may have thrown away his position in the team as the first-choice goalkeeper. Right at the end of the game, he accidentally put the ball on a plate - quite literally - for Angulo who gleefully scored and thanked the Goan for an early Christman present. 

Coach Kibu Vicuna will have to turn to the drawing board and make some changes because as it stands, they are losing ground in the race for the play-offs and the situation may soon get out of control, as Blasters supporters well and truly know from the last few seasons. 

Another day, another dominating performance by Sergio Lobera’s Mumbai City as they registered their third consecutive win of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season, this time over Odisha FC on Sunday.

After outclassing East Bengal in their last match, Mumbai City were brimming with confidence against a shaky Odisha FC side who are also languishing in the bottom half of the league table without a win in four games.

With Mumbai playing three matches in the space of eight days, Lobera decided to rotate his squad. Adam Le Fondre was named on the bench and instead Bartholomew Ogbeche was handed a start. Hernan Santana picked up a knock in the last game against East Bengal and hence, was given a rest. Mehtab Singh was afforded an opportunity to start alongside Mourtada Fall in defence.

Mandar Rao Dessai wasn't available for selection due to personal reasons and so, Lobera deployed Bipin Singh as a left winger. 

It must be noted that the Indian players in whom Lobera had put trust upon didn't disappoint. Vignesh Dakshinamurthy followed up his solid performance against East Bengal with another resolute display at the back. Lobera had highlighted on the importance of having a strong squad which plays an important role in winning the league. 

“It is very important to have a very good squad. When you have some problems with some players, for example, in the case of Mandar who has a personal problem but we can use another player in place of him and he played very well. I am very happy with the performance of Vignesh. I agree that this was a very good example of having a good squad.”

Mumbai’s foreign contingent is versatile and not short of firepower. However, it must be mentioned that their Indian players too have stepped up and grown in confidence. Against Odisha, Bipin Singh and Rowllin Borges were amongst the most impressive players. Bipin had a stellar outing on the flanks and even provided an inch-perfect cross from which Borges netted the second goal.

The 25-year-old Manipuri winger would get occasional starts under former coach Jorge Costa but Lobera has used him a lot more so far in the season. 

On the other hand, Borges was simply outstanding in the midfield alongside Ahmed Jahouh. It is not easy to outshine a player like Jahouh who once again stamped his authority on the game. The Moroccan completed 93 passes in the entire match but it was just another day in the midfielder’s office. Borges too anchored the midfield well and was all over the pitch. He completed 62 successful passes and had also scored the second goal for his team with a clinical header.

There is still a long way to go for Mumbai City this season and the team has just started to settle in. Next up will be a game against Chennaiyin FC on Wednesday and one can expect more rotation from Lobera in order to keep his players fresh.

Stefano Pioli hailed the growing maturity of his AC Milan players in the absence of injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Rossoneri strengthened their grip on top spot in Serie A with a gritty 2-1 victory at Sampdoria on Sunday thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo.

Milan secured the win without talisman Ibrahimovic, who is nursing a hamstring injury but expected to return soon.

The experienced Swede has scored 10 goals in six Serie A games this season, and his presence was missed against Sampdoria, but Milan managed to get the job done in Genoa.

"I continue to be surprised by the maturity of these players," Pioli told Sky Italia.

"Even though it was probably the youngest side we've had all year. They never let themselves get downhearted by bad results or go overboard with good ones, they really impressed me.

"We all know how much Zlatan has helped us to improve and everyone wants him back as soon as possible, but every player contributed here.

"I told the lads we are a real team. This is a group that makes the most of every situation, even the most negative, to prove what they can really do.

“It's the first time we were missing Ibra, Simon Kjaer and Ismael Bennacer, who are leaders of the side, but they used this opportunity to prove they could keep the team going.

"It means we have the enthusiasm and the energy to face down every challenge.

"These lads give their all throughout the week, these are the most difficult games after the Europa League, so winning them when we are considered the target for many other clubs, that is satisfying and we should celebrate."

Milan have won eight of their first 10 Serie A games to go five points clear of Inter at the top of the table.

In the previous 86 seasons in the competition, the Rossoneri had won more games at this point of the season only in 1954-55 (nine matches).

However, Pioli admitted Milan can feel rivals for the Scudetto breathing down their neck.

"I believe this weekend’s results show the strongest teams are coming, they are closing up," said the Milan head coach.

"I am convinced Inter, Juventus and Napoli are still going to be challenging all the way to the end.

"How can you think Juve aren't favourites after they won for nine years in a row? Or Inter with their investments, or Napoli with their talent?”

Milan conceded from a corner against Sampdoria when Albin Ekdal squeezed the ball in, and Pioli acknowledged his side have a tendency to switch off at set-pieces.

"The last goal we conceded from open play was against Napoli," he added.

"We need to be more focused on set plays. It's true we’re not the tallest squad, but I think we had more chances from dead-ball situations than Sampdoria did.”

Pep Guardiola has disregarded claims that Manchester City's early Champions League qualification has handed them an advantage against Manchester United ahead of their first derby of the season next weekend.

The Blues have already secured a berth in the knockout stages with a game to spare, and will top Group C regardless of their result against Marseille on Wednesday.

But while Guardiola has the luxury of being able to rest key faces, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have to field a full-strength team to ensure progression in Tuesday's massive Group H clash with RB Leipzig in Germany.

Such midweek exertions may have a knock-on effect when United return home to host City on Saturday at Old Trafford, but Guardiola has dismissed such notions, stressing that the nature of their heated rivalry negates any advantage.

"I'm pretty sure it's a derby and we will focus and commit and this means the players are not tired, completely the opposite," Guardiola said.

Guardiola also professed his satisfaction with his side's upturn in form following a rough start to the new campaign, adding: "We are in a good moment right now, I would say.

"We are better than one month ago but that is normal. Without preparation, without time, it's normal what happened.

"What's important is that we are not far away from the top of the league and already qualified for the next round [of the Champions League]. This is important. Now we want to continue being there."

City have failed to progress past the last eight of Europe's top competition since Guardiola's arrival, with the failure to claim continental silverware a glaring blemish on their record under the 49-year-old.

Elsewhere, the former Barcelona boss was quick to stress the impact of his side's defensive stability over the coming weeks, adding: “It is important – a lot.

“In the last game, Eric Garcia and Ruben Dias were brilliant. It’s so important they don’t make mistakes.

"In the games against Leicester, Liverpool and Tottenham we made mistakes we could have avoided. Central defenders cannot do that.

“In the last few games, we have been so solid. If the other team makes a good action, fine. They play too … but we cannot give it to them.

“[On Saturday], Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo … all the back four didn’t make obvious mistakes and this is the step to be solid as a team."

The Columbus Crew reached MLS Cup for the third time in club history after a 1-0 win over New England Revolution on Sunday.

Artur's 59th-minute goal was enough for Columbus to win the Eastern Conference final at Mapfre Stadium, moving into the MLS Cup for the first time since 2015.

It marked the first time Columbus have won an MLS Cup playoffs match over New England, and it came on their eighth attempt.

The Crew had the better of the chances throughout and struck just before the hour mark, with Gyasi Zardes having been denied by New England goalkeeper Matt Turner just moments prior to the opener.

Lucas Zelarayan's cross from the left found Jonathan Mensah at the back post and the defender touched a pass into the path of Artur, who found the bottom corner with a first-time finish.

All four of Artur's MLS goals have been scored at Mapfre Stadium, including three in his past six home appearances.

Zelarayan smashed an effort against the post from 25 yards in the 62nd minute, but Artur's goal proved to be enough to crown Columbus Eastern Conference champions.

Columbus have won 13 of their past 14 home MLS matches and will host either Seattle Sounders or Minnesota United in the decider on December 12.

The Sounders and Minnesota United are set to face off in the Western Conference championship Monday night in Seattle, with the home side looking to reach their fourth MLS Cup and Minnesota seeking their first appearance in the league final.

Crew boss Caleb Porter became the fifth coach in MLS history to win both the Eastern and Western Conference championships, joining Bruce Arena, Dominic Kinnear, Jason Kreis and Sigi Schmid.

Porter won the Western Conference championship with the Portland Timbers in 2015. He would, ironically, then go on to defeat Columbus in the MLS Cup final to clinch his and the club's first championship.

Jose Mourinho labelled Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg a "phenomenal player" after Tottenham's derby win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane combined twice as Spurs recorded a 2-0 win in the north London derby to remain top of the Premier League.

Hojbjerg, an August arrival from Southampton for a reported £15 million plus add-ons , played a key role.

The midfielder had more touches (61), passes (44), successful passes (35), passes in the opposition half (15) and interceptions (three) than any other Spurs player.

Hojbjerg's performance earned praise from Spurs boss Mourinho, with the 25-year-old also having Tottenham's only other shot on target.

"Pierre is, first of all, very intelligent. He reads the game very well. He's going to be a coach one day, for sure," Mourinho told a news conference.

"He's a pain, asking questions about why we do this and why we do that. On the pitch, he reads the situation very, very well and the people that surround him are really compact, they read the game.

"Physically he's very, very strong and technically he's much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel. The guy that is good technically is the guy that does something wonderful. But these are not my words. These are words from coaches of 30, 40 years ago. Simplicity is genius.

"And the guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he's a phenomenal player. Congratulations, Mr. [Daniel] Levy [Spurs chairman]."

Of midfielders, only Manchester City's Rodri has made more successful passes than Hojbjerg in the Premier League this season, with 746 against 706.

Hojbjerg also ranks fourth for successful passes in the opposition half with 341 and while his five chances created are also below the likes of Rodri with 11, he has created two big chances to the Spaniard's zero.

He helped Spurs come through games against City, Chelsea and Arsenal with seven points, and with their title chances seemingly boosted.

Tottenham have also kept four consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League and Mourinho called for his side to continue their run of form.

"We can lose everywhere. In the Premier League, we can lose everywhere. We can go to any place and lose. Any team can come here and beat us," he said.

"Of course, people could expect these last three matches. Now, three points, four points, or six with one loss. Now we did seven.

"We didn't concede one against phenomenal teams. Of course, we are in a good moment and the team is strong also, mentally, but you know, nothing changes."

Frank Lampard has praised Kurt Zouma after his match-winning display for Chelsea against Leeds United  on Saturday.

The 26-year-old earned his side the lead over Marcelo Bielsa's with a powerful second-half header to send Chelsea temporarily top of the Premier League table.

Tottenham would reclaim top spot on Sunday, but Zouma's displays have helped Lampard's side keep more clean sheets than any other this season. Zouma also has four league goals already and Lampard believes that his partner Thiago Silva has been part of his improvement.

“He has been playing well this season," Lampard told reporters of Zouma. "The eye-catching thing is the number of goals he is scoring from set-pieces and for me, that is a result of more confidence and more belief in himself.

"He has always had the size and strength, and now you see him in all parts of the pitch really - aerially he is a real threat and he is doing his job. I think a lot of the individual improvement or development, he had injuries and because of how his career went, he has been out on loan a couple of times.

"He trains every day, he doesn’t miss a day, he wants to do extras, he wants to work, he wants to do better, and those things to me are just absolutely fundamental to how players improve. And at the minute the level he is playing at week in week out is brilliant and long may it continue - he deserves it.

"The way we are playing as a unit at the moment defensively, as a team, that obviously helps him raise his standards, and obviously with Thiago next to him, that is a great standard-bearer for the rest of the season.

"As a unit, we look stronger and Kurt has been a big part of that. A lot of defending is about concentration. He has got so many attributes that are great for a centre-back.

"I knew that when I came here that a guy like Kurt would be a big deal for me and he is showing that in terms of how he is playing. I am delighted with him.”

Chelsea's defensive improvement has been dramatic after they conceded 54 league goals last season, the worst total since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

Not only were the Blues guilty of conceding goals on set-pieces, they were vulnerable on the counter-attack last season. Lampard has seen his side progress rapidly in both areas and spoke about their newfound ability to hold onto a lead.

“We have got better at that - and the element of today’s game that felt a bit like last year was it was at 2-1 and we were missing chances and you feel nervous," he added. "I think now that hopefully, the players believe that we can see games out.

"There are moments where we have to go longer, get up the pitch and keep them away from our goal. We have to be secure in possession and the players are getting better at that. It is massively important.

"Hopefully that belief continues to grow as it is a tough league and having that kind of experience and nature about us helps. It is through the experienced players that we have brought in. Of course, it is Thiago first and foremost.

"But I think [Edouard] Mendy will help a lot with that as well in terms of his distribution with seeing out games. It has helped us to improve.”

The Premier League table is beginning to take a more familiar look with the "big six" teams, except Arsenal , occupying the top spots in the table.

Indeed, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp named Chelsea as the favourites but Lampard is reluctant to say it will be the usual suspects competing for the title with the likes of Leicester City amongst the high-flying teams.

“It’s hard to be too expectant at this relatively early stage when we are a third of the way through," Lampard added. "But you would expect that teams that have been there in recent years will be there like Liverpool and Man City .

"I think they are everybody’s favourites of this season and I think I expect them to be there and they are there. There are teams still that have made a fantastic start and I think we should not rule out, teams that are in and around it.

"The table is starting to take a bit of shape, but there is still a long way to go. I’m not too concerned about anyone else, I am more concerned about ourselves, and about the fact that after we played Southampton here at home, there were a lot of questions and my job is to solve these questions or find a solution via the players.

"The players are answering them at the moment, so we need to just think about the next game and not think about the big picture, and the league will pan itself out.”

Owen Coyle will be hoping for Jamshedpur FC's first win of the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season when they face ATK Mohun Bagan at the Tilak Maidan stadium in Vasco, on Monday evening. 

TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM

The Star Sports Network have the exclusive broadcasting rights of the ISL in India.

Commentary will also be available in vernacular languages across India.

TEAM NEWS

Jamshedpur FC Possible XI:   

Injured - Joyner Lourenco, Narender Gahlot, David Grande 
Doubtful - Nick Fitzgeral 
Suspended - None  

Key Players - Nerijus Valskis, Jackichand Singh

ATK Mohun Bagan Possible XI: 

Injured - None 
Doubtful - Luis Garcia, David Williams    
Suspended - None 

Key Players - Roy Krishna, Carl McHugh      

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp struggled to contain his emotions after seeing Reds fans return to Anfield on Sunday. 

A small crowd of 2,000 were allowed to attend the Premier League clash against Wolves and Klopp's team rewarded them by claiming an emphatic 4-0 win. 

Mohamed Salah opened the scoring in the 24th minute before Georginio Wijnaldum and Joel Matip struck in the second half with a Nelson Semedo own-goal wrapping up the result late on. 

While satisfied with his team's strong performance, it was the return of the Anfield faithful that really struck a chord with Klopp. 

"The game, the atmosphere, it was so nice. I had goosebumps. They started 'You'll Never Walk Alone' - really nice. I never knew it could feel that good," Klopp told the BBC post-match, before starting to become emotional.

"This started in February and we were waiting to get normality back," he continued. "Normality is good - I don't think we appreciated it as much. It was very very touching.

"Wasn't it a perfect night? Whatever the weather was like outside, it was sunshine inside the stadium.

"There were a few challenges before the game - Wolves play different systems. I gave the boys information about how to press them. The boys were outstanding with how they dealt with them - our best result against Wolves."

On young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who started the game and kept an impressive clean sheet, Klopp added: "Very mature. Very calm. Very good with the ball and without the ball. It was a night to remember for him."

Wijnaldum netted a superb second goal for the Reds and though quick to dismiss questions about a new contract, he was also thrilled to have fans back at Anfield. 

"It's wonderful - really excited when we heard supporters were allowed. It was a great feeling they were back," Wijnaldum said.

"I don't want to say it's a 'champions' performance'. We were patient, the position play was good and we scored good goals.

"The fans helped the performance a lot because they cheered during the game and before we only had the bench for support."

Harry Kane expressed his delight with Tottenham's performance in their North London derby victory over Arsenal, lauding his teammates' effort in a smash-and-grab victory that sent them back to the Premier League summit.

Jose Mourinho's hosts ran out 2-0 victors against Mikel Arteta's Gunners despite notching just over half as many shots as their visitors and holding only 30 per cent of possession throughout the encounter.

Goals from Kane and Son Heung-min - who took their total league combinations to 11 for the season and moved second outright on the all-time list - dealt the damage in the first half to return them back to first place.

Despite their defensive exertions however, Kane only had positive words to say on his side's performance, hailing their collective showing as Spurs welcomed supporters back to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time this season.

"[It was] fantastic," the 27-year-old told Sky Sports News. "[It was] exactly what we set out for.

"We played well in the first half; the second half was a bit of a grind, but both teams defended well. They didn't create too many clear-cut chances, so we're delighted with the win.

"It wasn't comfortable. We could have had more of the ball in the second half – it wasn't how we wanted to play – but sometimes games turn into situations where you just have to adapt, and that was what happened today.

"Arsenal played well, kept the ball well and we couldn't really get out of our half, but they didn't really create too many chances, so it shows our defensive capabilities."

Having already engineered a similar result against Pep Guardiola's City last month with around a third of the ball once again, Kane paid tribute to his side's defensive mettle, stating that he is happy to drop deep and play his part in weathering any storms.

"I'm delighted with the result [defensively]," he added. "The boys dug deep and the defence from crosses was fantastic.

"It's one of them, a season where we're all pulling in the right direction, everyone on the pitch is willing to defend, attack and do what it takes to win the game.

"Set-pieces are a massive part of it, they had a lot today and the role I play in that is vital for the team, to try to clear as many as possible. I'm happy to do it."

Kane's double-act with Son has fast emerged as the most prolific partnership of the season, and their haul today has moved them within five of the all-time Premier League combination record held by Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba.

The England man refuses to get carried away however, adding: "We're just feeling good. We're both at an age now where we're coming into our prime maybe in terms of understanding the game, understanding each other.

"When I'm passing it through and he's cutting inside and whipping them in the top bins, it's an easy game for me."

Milan strengthened their grip on top spot in Serie A with a 2-1 win over Sampdoria on Sunday thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and Samu Castillejo.

Ivory Coast midfielder Kessie gave the Rossoneri the lead from the penalty spot after Jakub Jankto handled inside the area.

Spaniard Castillejo scored with his first touch of the game to notch Milan's second before Albin Ekdal ensured a tense finish when he bundled in from a corner.

Milan are now five points clear of second-placed Inter after 10 games, with Napoli and Juventus a further point behind in third and fourth.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was called into action early on when a Sampdoria corner presented Lorenzo Tonelli with a header from close range, which the Milan goalkeeper pushed over the crossbar.

Milan slowly discovered their rhythm and Sandro Tonali sent Brahim Diaz clear, but he hesitated in a good position and instead teed up Ante Rebic whose finish was weak.

Without the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan often lacked spark in attack, although only a brilliant piece of defending kept out Rebic. The Croatian chased a high ball over the top into the box and nudged it beyond goalkeeper Emil Audero, only for Tonelli to slide back and hook off the line.

Milan were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time when the referee deemed Jankto's arm had been away from his body as he attempted to block a Theo Hernandez header, and Kessie duly converted from the spot.

Stefano Pioli's side struck the woodwork just after the interval when Tonali finished off a slick passing move with a shot against the post which Audero recovered to gather.

Sampdoria eventually sparked into life and pinned Milan in their own half, but despite forcing three corners the Blucerchiati were unable to seriously trouble Donnarumma.

Tonali did well not to react to provocation from Antonio Candreva, who twisted his ear in a bizarre incident on the hour from which the on-loan Inter midfielder was fortunate not to have been booked.

Pioli threw on Castillejo for Alexis Saelemaekers with 13 minutes left and the Spaniard made an immediate impact as he fired home from Rebic's cross.

Sampdoria pulled a goal back when Ekdal managed to scramble the ball in from a corner, deemed to have crossed the line by goalline technology despite Donnarumma's efforts to haul it out.

Ekdal had a chance to equalise at the death when he met Candreva's cross but could only plant his header wide from close range.
 

What does it mean? Milan formidable on the road

Milan have now won their last seven away league games and have only managed to string together so many successes on the road twice before in their history in Serie A: in 1993 under Fabio Capello (nine away wins in a row) and in 1964 under Nils Liedholm (seven wins).

If Pioli's side are to go the distance, and put themselves in the reckoning to win their first Scudetto since 2011, then continuing to churn out hard-fought victories away from San Siro will need to continue.

Kessie keeps his cool

Kessie looked anxious before taking the spot-kick but then audaciously struck it high down the centre of the goal as Audero committed himself.

Milan are now unbeaten in 18 Serie A games where Kessie has found the net (won 16, drawn two) as they set a new club record by scoring in 30 consecutive league games, eclipsing a 29-game streak between 1972 and 1973.

Quiet game for Quagliarella

Milan are the side Sampdoria captain Fabio Quagliarella has faced the most times in home Serie A games (15) without ever finding the net.

Quagliarella had another difficult game up front against the Rossoneri as he failed to make an impact, managing no shots on target in the entire contest.

What's next?

Milan travel to Sparta Prague for their final Europa League group game on Thursday while Sampdoria head to Napoli in Serie A next Sunday.

Mikel Arteta blamed his misfiring stars for Arsenal's north London derby defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.

Goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane gave Jose Mourinho's side a 2-0 victory on Sunday as Spurs provided a clinical edge that the Gunners missed.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unable to register a single effort on goal while strike partner Alexandre Lacazette had just two.

This was despite Arsenal enjoying more possession – 69.2 per cent to Tottenham's 30.8 per cent – and delivering their most crosses (32) in open play since February 2016.

It has been a season of struggle for Aubameyang and Lacazette, who have managed a paltry five Premier League goals between them.

By way of comparison Kane and Son have 18 goals and 13 assists together and both got their names on the scoresheet again.

"You look at all the stats, they're in our favour, but at the end of the day it's about putting the ball in the net," Arteta told a media conference afterwards.

"We had the chances. We had generated probably more than ever this season, put the ball in the box more than ever, had the numbers there.

"But at the end of the day we have to score the goals, and when they had a half chance they scored, and at the moment we haven't. To build something, you need results.

"I take a lot of positives for the way we played, when we come here in this moment and play with the personality, the courage, the passion, the energy and the belief the boys showed.

"At the end it's a football match and you have to win it, and we lost again today."

When asked how Arsenal, who are now 15th in the table and 11 points behind table-topping Spurs, might turn around their results, Arteta went back to the same theme.

"By scoring goals, very simple," he said. "We need to score goals. If not, it's unsustainable. It doesn't matter what we do in other departments of the pitch, if we don't score goals we can't do nothing.

"A cross doesn't mean just an aerial cross. There were a lot of good parts where we penetrated the penalty box on numerous occasions.

"Just to find the last pass or the final ball and the goal came through, we didn't hit it, they blocked it - it was a lot of things to happen.

"If we generate it every week we will win football matches. At the moment it looks like we need to do a lot to score a goal. We need to put the ball in the net, urgently."

Liverpool celebrated the return of fans to Anfield with a 4-0 victory over Wolves on Sunday.

Sitting three points off the summit of the Premier League following Tottenham's win over Arsenal earlier in the day, the Reds responded by claiming a typically hard-earned victory over Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum and Joel Matip, along with an own goal from Nelson Semedo, ensured they drew level with Spurs on points to move second by virtue of goal difference.

Perhaps buoyed by their returning supporters, Liverpool started the brighter, and went close when Sadio Mane headed over after a slick one-two with Andy Robertson.

But they were quickly reminded of Wolves' threat at the other end as Daniel Podence drew a fingertip save from Caoimhin Kelleher with a wonderfully inventive chip.

Both sides looked relatively comfortable defensively otherwise and, as such, it was no surprise that, when the opening goal came, it was thanks to an error rather than a moment of invention.

Jordan Henderson's ball over the top looked primed for a headed clearance but, in trying to chest it down, Conor Coady simply set up Salah for a left-footed finish into the right-hand corner.

The visiting captain looked to have redeemed himself when he was awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time, but replays showed he had in fact not been touched by Mane before going down in the box, leading to a VAR turnover.

Despite Liverpool's lead, the second half continued in nip-and-tuck fashion, with both sides fashioning half-chances but remaining wary of committing too much to attack.

However, the game was eventually taken away from Wolves on the hour mark thanks to Wijnaldum who, arriving on the break and using Coady as a shield, curled a beauty into the Kop-end top corner.

Matip quickly followed that with a third, the defender heading in a delicious inswinging Salah cross from the right wing after finding himself at the top end of the pitch for a corner.

And a memorable night for the 2,000 supporters allowed into Anfield was capped with a fourth goal with a quarter of an hour still to go, Semedo inadvertently putting through his own net in attempting to block a Mane effort.

What does it mean? Champions keep Spurs in sight

Despite their season having been largely defined by an injury crisis that is far from over, Liverpool continue to show they are more than capable of retaining their Premier League title.

As for Wolves, who stay 10th, defeat serves to somewhat temper the excitement that has surrounded their fine start to the campaign, particularly in the aftermath of that win at Arsenal last time out.

Tireless Robertson shines again

He may have played more football than any other Liverpool player this season, but Robertson just gets better and better.

The Scot took 87 touches (bettered only by Curtis Jones and Jordan Henderson), put in eight crosses, and regained possession on seven occasions as he starred for the hosts.

Coady struggles on Anfield return

A boyhood Liverpool fan and a product of the club's academy, Coady is always keen to impress when he heads back to Anfield.

But the defender endured a night to forget, losing possession nine times – most crucially in teeing up Salah's goal – and completed just 61.5 per cent of his passes into the opposition half.

He was also perhaps fortunate not to pick up a yellow card for an overturned penalty win late in the first half.

Key Opta Facts

- Liverpool have won 31 of their past 32 home league games (D1), scoring 93 goals while conceding just 25 in this time.
- Wolves have lost eight consecutive league meetings with Liverpool, conceding 19 goals and scoring just twice in this run.
- Since Liverpool's first match after Virgil van Dijk's injury against Everton (Ajax in October), the Reds have conceded just six goals in 11 games in all competitions, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
- Mohamed Salah has 52 Premier League goals at Anfield for Liverpool. Only Lionel Messi at Camp Nou (63) and Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena (59) have more at a single venue in the big-five European leagues since the Egyptian joined the Reds in 2017.
- At 22 years and 13 days, Caoimhin Kelleher became the third youngest Liverpool goalkeeper to keep a Premier League clean sheet, after Scott Carson (19y 211d) and Chris Kirkland (21y 234d), and youngest to do so on his first such start for the Reds.

What's next?

Liverpool visit Denmark on Wednesday for a Champions League dead rubber against Midtjylland before visiting Fulham four days later. Wolves, meanwhile, head to Aston Villa next Saturday for an early kick-off.

Mohamed Salah’s first-half strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers has seen the Liverpool attacker extend his Premier League goal tally at Anfield to 52.

With just 24 minutes into the encounter, the Egypt international gave Jurgen Klopp’s men the lead after profiting from a slip from captain Conor Coady.

Jordan Henderson fired a direct pass forward from the back as Coady miscontrolled the header towards the path of the Egyptian who slotted past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Overall, he is third behind Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski in the ranks of players scoring more at a single venue in the big-five European leagues.

Also, the former Chelsea and FC Basel man has scored or assisted 111 times in the English elite division since his return to England – scoring at least 20 times than Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.

Salah, who now boasts of none goals from 10 outings in the 2020-21 English topflight season, has been a dependable performer for the Red since joining the Anfield side from AS Roma in the summer of 2017.

Thanks to Sunday’s 4-0 win, his team moved to second in the log with 24 points, albeit, they are behind leaders Spurs on goal difference.

His efforts helped the Anfield outfit win the 2018 Champions League title and end their 30-year wait for the Premier League diadem last season.

The 28-year-old forward has won several individual accolades following his impressive displays for Klopp’s team, including the two Premier League Golden Boot awards as well as two African Footballer of the Year prize.

Salah is among the final shortlist for the 2020 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award with Lewandowski, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammate Sadio Mane all nominated for the prize.

After Sunday’s tie against Nuno Espírito Santo’s men, he would be expected to feature prominently when the 2018-19 European champions travel to the MCH Arena for Wednesday’s dead-rubber Champions League tie with Frank Onyeka’s FC Midtjylland.

Regardless of the outcome against Brian Priske’s Danish Superliga side, Liverpool finish as Group D winners while Atalanta and Ajax will slug it out for the second place.

Samuel Chukwueze was on parade for Villarreal in their 0-0 draw against Elche in Sunday’s La Liga game at Estadio de la Ceramica

The 21-year-old made his sixth league start in the encounter but could not build on his impressive performance against Sivasspor on Thursday.

The Nigeria international found the back of the net against the Turkish Super Lig club in their Europa League victory.

Against Elche, the winger formed a three-man attack for Villarreal along with Gerard Moreno and Alejandro Baena.

The Yellow Submarine overwhelmingly dominated the opening 15 minutes but failed to find the back of the net.

Chukwueze sent a fine cross into the area but none of his teammates could make the most of the opportunity in his quest to help his side break the deadlock. 

The best chance in the opening 45 minutes fell to Villarreal when they were awarded a free-kick after Antonio Barragan tripped Alejandro Baena, but Pervis Estupinan’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Edgar Badía.

After the restart, Chukwueze was replaced by Paco Alcacer as Unai Emery’s men desperately search for a possible match-winning goal.

Before the Super Eagles forward was taken off in the 46th minute, he made 11 passes and had 19 touches on the ball.

The second half, however, continued in a similar way as both sides failed to breach each other’s defences in the encounter to settle for a share of the points.

With the draw, the Yellow Submarine are third on the league table behind leaders Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad after gathering 21 points from 12 games.

Chukwueze has now made 15 appearances across all competitions for Villarreal in the current campaign, scoring two goals and proving three assists.

The forward will hope to deliver a more impactful showing in their next outing against Qarabag in the Europa League on December 10.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka's leadership was called into question by Graeme Souness after the midfielder failed to provide cover for Thomas Partey in the build-up to Tottenham's second goal on Sunday.

The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat to their north London rivals, with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane providing the goals in the first half.

As the hosts charged forward to score the second goal, Arsenal midfielder Partey walked over to the touchline due to an injury.

Coach Mikel Arteta shoved him back onto the field to try to stop Spurs' attack, but he could not catch up.

Former Liverpool player and manager Souness believes Partey's central midfield partner Xhaka should have been more alert to the danger his side were in.

"Big players, leaders, don't allow that to happen on the football pitch," the Sky Sports pundit said.

"As a central midfield player, as a holding central midfield player - I don't know what Xhaka is, it's been about six or seven years and I'm not quite sure what he is - the alarm bells are ringing.

"All the time you're looking over your shoulder, 'where are we vulnerable?'. But they just empty the space, [Giovani] Lo Celso picks it up, on you go, 2-0, game over, possibly."

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville went on to criticise the Swiss midfielder, too.

Xhaka was booked with 15 minutes still to play when he cut down Son deep in Tottenham territory and Neville argued it was an unnecessary tackle.

"It's just madness that. The last thing you need if you're Arsenal is the game stopping," he said.

"Son's going nowhere, he can't counter attack from there and it just stops the game for another 30 or 40 seconds."

While Spurs returned to the top of the Premier League table with the win, Arsenal's misery continues.

Arteta's team have taken just four points from their last seven matches in the English top-flight and are in 15th place.

They face Dundalk in the final Europa League group-stage match before returning to domestic action with a home game against Burnley, who are currently third bottom with six points.

Arsenal's woes were deepened in defeat on Sunday as their north London derby loss to Tottenham continued to pile the pressure on Mikel Arteta, leaving the club facing their worst league start for almost four decades.

The Gunners were condemned to their sixth Premier League reverse of the new campaign, leaving them closer to the relegation zone than to the summit thanks to goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane.

With almost a dozen top-flight games under their belt already, Arteta's side look to be facing an uphill battle to secure a top-six berth once more, having only qualified for this year's Europa League through their FA Cup victory in August.

Since their triumph at Wembley however, it has been a relatively torrid few months on the domestic front, with three wins from their opening four matches having since translated to just one in their last seven in the league.

A lone point against recently promoted Leeds United is the pick of the bunch in terms of positive results, with the Gunners having lost to Aston Villa, Wolves and Spurs since they last won, against Manchester United at the start of November.

Those results mean that Arsenal have earned just 13 points from 11 league games this season, their lowest return at this stage of a top-flight campaign for 39 years, since 1981-82 when they achieved 12.

In defeat to Jose Mourinho too, Arteta became just the second Arsenal manager to lose each of his first two north London derbies for over half a century, after Bertie Mee in 1966-67.

The manner of the club's defeat against their rivals - in a game they statistically dominated, with 70 per cent of possession throughout - will rankle the Spaniard too, particularly given his side's creativity throughout.

Arsenal attempted 32 open-play crosses in total, their most in a single Premier League match for almost five years, since February 2016 against Leicester when they managed 36.

It also represented their most away from home for the better part of a decade, since March 2011 when they also logged 32 attempts against West Brom at the Hawthorns.